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Divided opinion on Ludwig's legacy

Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig speaking to reporters in Indonesia about the live cattle export ban.

Beawiharta : Reuters

Opinion on Joe Ludwig's record as Agriculture Minister is divided, as he goes to the backbench following Kevin Rudd's caucus victory over Julia Gillard.

Labor's handling of rural issues is in disarray, with the Agriculture, Trade and Climate Change ministers all quitting.

News of Senator Ludwig's resignation has been welcomed by many in the northern cattle industry, still hurting from his decision to suspend the live cattle trade to Indonesia in 2011.

"I don't know much about the man, but he left a bloody mess," one pastoralist told the ABC, while another said Senator Ludwig, "was sort of making the right noises when he finished, but I don't think he'll ever be forgiven for putting that ban on."

Don Heatley chaired the industry research, development and marketing body Meat and Livestock Australia when the a ban was imposed on exporting live cattle to Indonesia.

He says Senator Ludwig won't be missed.

"As many people tried to explain to the minister what would happen, now we're seeing it and it's going to go on for a long time, so it's a very sad legacy in that regard.

"I really don't know how it will pan out for the industry in the end," Mr Heatley said.

"All I would hope is whoever takes up the portfolio will at least listen to those around him or her, whoever it may be, and take on board the advice of the industry."

Grant Fenton from the Northern Territory Farmers Association says the minister could have done more to support a range of agricultural industries.

"We were frustrated that he was reluctant to support an increase to the mango levy, but also just a lack of engagement from him with our sector.

"We'd like to see someone in that position who actually reflects the needs of the industry and understands the industry,

"We keep seeing people in Canberra who don't know this sector very well and we want to see someone who does know the sector well."

However, both the National Farmers Federation and the Australian Live Exporters Council took to twitter last night to thank Senator Ludwig for his work for their industry.

The NFF tweeted that "For all the (understandable) criticism, [Ludwig] was the most vocal supporter of live-ex within Labor."

Senior lecturer in Politics and Journalism at Queensland's Griffith University, Dr Paul Williams, says the elevation of Kevin Rudd to role of Prime Minister will do little for Labor's election chances.

However, he says it will mean the loss to the Coalition won't be as bad as predicted under Gillard.

"Instead of a 7 per cent swing that we were going to see and therefore see Labor lose 30 to 40 seats, that swing could be reduced to 3 or 2 per cent."

Dr Williams says that sort of loss is repairable for Labor and will only see it out of office for six years, or two terms.

"Had they lost by 30 or 40 seats, they would have been in the wilderness for well over a decade."

Dr Williams says that, as leader, Kevin Rudd has to improve his handling of people.

"He can't be a one-man band. He is going to have to be much more of team player if he is going to keep people onside up to polling day."